Upper Moyog folks badly hit by drought

Penampang: The current dry season has dried up almost all the gravity water dams in Upper Moyog and intensive hill cutting – going on virtually unchecked across Penampang despite numerous media reports – has been singled out as among reasons.Moyog Assemblyman Terrence Siambun said during his visit to Kg Babagon on Thursday, he was told that many villagers living on higher grounds are forced to go to the Babagon River to fill up their water gallons and carry it back to their houses while some had to rely on mini water pump to channel the water from the river to nearby houses.

"The water crisis in this kampung and its surroundings was not that severe before because the gravity dams were able to withstand the previous dry seasons and no large scale clearing was done within the surrounding areas.

"However, intensive hill cutting and clearing at Upper Moyog to make way for a rubber replanting project and quarrying had exposed and polluted many of these gravity dams.

"Pesticides and fertilisers sprayed around the thousands of rubber trees may end up in these gravity dams and the villagers now fear that they may end up consuming these dangerous chemicals," he said, in a statement.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Electrifying windows of opportunity in Sabah - The right policies, collaborations, and strategies can turn emerging opportunities into victories for all parties in Sabah.

CHIEF Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor’s 2021 Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya Plan and the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA) have laid out a road map to an exciting future for all Sabahans, with a target of increasing Sabah’s income levels and GDP per capita from about RM 23,000 to about RM 40,000 by 2030.

He added some of the pesticides and fertilisers may also find their way to the Babagon River which itself is currently facing soil pollution due to the hill cutting and land clearing.

"Personally, I am wondering how Penampang's previous BN YBs and its current leaders were able to shut their eyes and ears since 1999 on the plea by the villagers for clean, treated water."

Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.

Daily Express Malaysia

Siambun said the villagers are questioning why thousands of gallons are being consumed everyday by tens of thousands of foreigners and illegal immigrants staying around Penampang and the city while they are being deprived of such luxury.

"So much for Upko being a political party established to ensure the wellbeing and progress of the KDMs in Malaysia when the KadazanDusuns at their own backyard have crying and begging for clean, treated water since 1999."

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00